Meeting Calendar

Our meetings are held the second Monday of each month. Meetings are at 7 p.m., but attendees are invited to arrive 10-15 minutes early for a sweet treat and to meet members. We begin our program at 7:00, followed by a short break and the business meeting

Meetings will be held September through May, at Assumption Church Hall, 27 Adams Street South, Manchester, CT. Park in the lot behind the church and enter through the back parking lot door. Please check individual listings as locations and format may change.
 

SEPTEMBER 11, 2023
Bring a Plant, Get a Plant
Welcome back to the garden club with an old-fashioned plant swap! Plan on bringing a nice specimen from your own garden, or one that is purchased. Perennials are preferred, houseplants are welcome. This meeting marks the beginning of the new program year. In addition to a plant, please bring a non-perishable food item for the local food pantry. Plenty of time to get re-acquainted with our fellow membership, and guests are welcome to attend.


OCTOBER 16, 2023
Michele MacKinnon: Bulbs: The Bold and the Beautiful
With a little planning and a minimum of care, bulbs provide a kaleidoscope of color and interest, indoor and out, all year. Master Gardener Michele MacKinnon from the northeast corner of Connecticut, will share her knowledge about using bulbs in our gardens. Her careful observation of plant and wildlife behaviors in her own garden have inspired many statewide residents to dig in, get dirty and enjoy their gardens. This presentation will be the perfect time of year to start our own bulb planning and planting!

 

NOVEMBER 13 , 2023
Samuel King: Composting and the Environment

Samuel King is an experienced sustainability entrepreneur and advocate in the fields of waste, energy, and climate change. He is a co-owner of Blue Earth Compost in Hartford, CT, where he works in various roles relating to the growth and management of the business. He will be speaking on composting, soil and the effects of food waste on the environment.

As an advocate, Mr. King has been involved as a community organizer in fighting fossil fuel projects locally and nationally. Mr. King's work now centers around finding solutions for a transition to a sustainable waste infrastructure in CT. Sam is a 2014 graduate of UMass Amherst with a BA. Sc. in Sustainable Community Development.

 

DECEMBER 11, 2023
Holiday Workshop
Members will make holiday arrangements for the residents of Ada Lane. Check email to members for details.

 

JANUARY 8, 2024
Mike Orlowski: Floral Design
Michael Orlowski is the owner and operator of Park Hill Joyce Flower Shop, 36 Oak Street, Manchester, CT. Mike is known for his artistic floral designs whether for special occasions, holidays, or funerals. Mike’s presentation will engage his audience through the creation of beautiful arrangements while demonstrating the fundamentals and techniques of floral design. The importance of flower selection and preparation will be noted. Mike enjoys interaction and conversation with the audience while arranging floral designs and encourages audience participation through questions. At the end of the program a lucky winner will take home a floral design.

 

FEBRUARY 12, 2024
Dr. Richard Benfield: Around the World in 80 Gardens
Known for his humor we travel with Dr. Richard Benfield through an interactive approach exploring 80 of the most magnificent gardens in the world that covers seven continents. Beginning with the lush gardens of the pacific, through the arid gardens of Australia and tropical gardens of Seychelles and Canary Islands and culminating in the beautiful English country gardens, of his home country, and finishing with the unique gardens of the United State and Canada.

Dr. Richard Benfield, is a Professor Emeritus from Central Connecticut University. In 2013, his best-selling book Garden Tourism was published by CABI Press, Abington, England and in 2020 a second edition, New Directions in Garden Tourism was published by CABI. He is currently, working on the nexus of Plant Predators and National Parks around the world.

 

MARCH 11, 2024
George Trecina
Unraveling the Mysteries of Pruning: Learn to Manage Your Shrubs and Trees for the Long Haul
More info will be posted when available.

 

APRIL 8, 2024
Dr. Richard Cowles: Climate Change and the Impact on Gardens and Roses.
More info will be posted when available.

 

MAY 6, 2024
Pamm Copper: Good Bugs, Bad Bugs
More info will be posted when available.

 

JUNE 10, 2024
June Party
Party plans will be available in the spring.

 

 

Contact MGC at info@manchestergardenclubs.org